Protective effect of Cichorium Intybus ( dandelion) against thiamethoxam induced hepatotoxicity in chicken

Background : Thiamethoxam (TMX) is a dangerous neonicotinoid pesticide that induces liver damage in chickens. In this study, the toxicity of TMX in chicken was examined along with the capacity of dandelion extract to alleviate TMX toxicity. Methods: A total of 48 one-day-old, clinically healthy, non-vaccinated chicks. Chicks were divided into four groups (12 chicks per group): control (saline), TMX, TMX + Dandelion (DAN), and DAN + TMX. The treatment groups were orally administered TMX at 500 mg/kg BW and dandelion extract at 400 mg/kg BW, and the experiment was extended over 60 days. Blood samples were collected at 60th days post drug administration for hematological and biochemical analyses. In addition, a histopathological examination of the liver was performed. Results: Oral administration of dandelion to chicken-intoxicated mice with TMX significantly elevated the levels of Hb, WBCs, total protein, and albumin and reduced the activities of serum ALT, AST, urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels compared to those in the TMX group. Furthermore, dandelion decreased malondialdehyde content and increased glutathione levels and antioxidant enzyme activity. Moreover, a remarkable decline in the mRNA expression of lL-6 and NFKB was recorded in the hepatic tissues of TMX + DAN and DAN + TMX. In addition, dandelion restored hepatic architecture to normal levels. Conclusions : The addition of dandelions appears to indicate a healthy liver and lessens TMX-induced damage in chickens by reducing oxidative stress.